The duties of Ball State President Jo Ann Gora are constant year-round, yet the summer months do afford her many opportunities.
This summer is no exception, as she will travel halfway around the world Friday for a three-week visit to South Korea and China.
Gora said she would use the trip to meet with presidents of our sister universities abroad so Ball State could continue relations with these schools, recruit new international students and, as always, fundraise.
"Ties between Ball State and institutions of higher learning in East Asia are vital for the successful internationalization goals of Ball State," her travel itinerary said. The itinerary alluded to the university's Strategic Plan, which calls for to an increase in international enrollment to five percent of the total student body.
The trip calls for mending old ties with Yeungnam University and Kyunghee University in South Korea and Shanghai Normal University in China.
The trip also will work to create new relationships with Pusan University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, Korea University and the Tianjin Institute of Physical Education in China.
Multiple roundtables among presidents also will take place to discuss the progress of current student exchange programs.
Finally, Gora hopes to make contact with Ball State alumni living in the region.
While the trip holds much in store, it is only the beginning of a packed summer schedule for Gora.
"Generally speaking, summer is a hectic time for us because we're involved in personal evaluations, preparing our legislative request and meeting with legislators," Gora said. "Moreover, our work with alumni and donors continues regardless of the month of year."
Director of University Communications Kevin Burke described Gora's day-to-day activities as far from "typical."
"Not much changes for the president merely because the calendar and the scenery outside say it's summer," Burke said.
"She is still calling on donors, greeting alumni, talking with students, meeting with deans and faculty and preparing for a new school year."
Upon Gora's return on June 27, she will meet with the Ball State Foundation for two days before a few days off from major activity.
Otherwise, her summer schedule primarily consists of media appearances, keynote addresses and the summer Board of Trustees meeting on July 18.
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